You’ve been there. It’s 6:45 PM on a Tuesday, you're exhausted, and the fridge is a barren wasteland of expired condiments and half a lemon. You want Chinese food, but you don't want the fancy "date night" spot downtown where you have to worry about what you're wearing. You want the heavy paper bag, the plastic containers, and enough fried rice to feed a small army for under twenty bucks. For a lot of people in Porter County, that means heading to New Dragon Valparaiso Indiana.
But here’s the thing: people get weirdly passionate about this place. If you look at the local chatter, it’s a mix of "this is the only real Chinese food in town" and "they messed up my order and argued about it."
Honestly, finding a consistent takeout spot in a college town like Valpo is harder than it looks. With the university right there, these kitchens get slammed. New Dragon has managed to survive the ebb and flow of the Calumet Avenue traffic for years, mostly by sticking to a very specific script.
The Reality of New Dragon Valparaiso Indiana
Let's talk about the location first. 1615 Calumet Ave. It isn't a palace. If you’re looking for white tablecloths and ambient lighting, you’re in the wrong zip code. This is a classic, no-frills, counter-service operation.
Most people don't realize that New Dragon Valparaiso Indiana is basically the definition of a "mom and pop" shop. You’ll often see the same few faces every time you walk in. That’s why the service can feel a bit... let's say "direct." They aren't there to give you a table-side presentation of the wine list; they’re there to get your Kung Pao chicken into a bag while it's still piping hot.
Some locals swear by the Garlic Chicken. It’s got that specific, slightly sweet, very pungent kick that hits the spot when you've got a cold or just a bad attitude. Others go straight for the Beef with Broccoli. The beef is usually tender enough, and they don't skimp on the trees—I mean broccoli.
One thing that genuinely surprises newcomers is the portion size. You order a "large," and you're basically committing to lunch for the next three days. In an economy where a sandwich costs fifteen dollars, getting a mountain of lo mein for twelve bucks feels like a win.
Why the Mixed Reviews?
If you spend five minutes on Yelp or Google Reviews, you’ll see the drama. Someone will give it five stars and call it "top notch," and the next person will give it one star because their egg roll was "mushy."
Here is the truth: it’s a high-volume takeout joint.
When a place like New Dragon Valparaiso Indiana gets hit with forty orders in an hour because a dorm floor at VU decided they all wanted crab rangoon at the same time, things can get a little chaotic. I’ve seen people get frustrated because there’s no delivery. Yeah, you heard that right. In 2026, they still don't do their own delivery. You’ve gotta use Uber Eats or just get in your car and drive there yourself.
Is it the "best" Chinese food in the world? Probably not. Is it exactly what you expect from a local Indiana Chinese spot? Absolutely.
Navigating the Menu Like a Pro
If you’re going to order, don’t just get the General Tso's. I mean, it’s fine, but it’s the default.
Try the Orange Chicken if you like it crispy. They tend to do a good job of keeping the breading from getting too soggy during the car ride home. Also, the Crab Rangoon (the six-piece) is pretty much the gold standard for the area. They’re creamy, they’re crunchy, and they actually have a hint of that "seafood" flavor instead of just being a fried cream cheese bomb.
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- Pork Egg Rolls: Classic, greasy in a good way.
- Steamed Dumplings: These take a bit longer, so don't be annoyed if your wait time jumps from 15 minutes to 25.
- Happy Family: If you can't decide, this has the chicken, beef, shrimp, and crab meat. It's the "everything but the kitchen sink" of the menu.
One weird quirk? The hours. They occasionally have these "afternoon breaks" or weird weekend shifts that catch people off guard. Always call ahead before you make the trek down Calumet. There is nothing worse than pulling into that parking lot and seeing the "Closed" sign flipped.
Comparison to Other Valpo Spots
Valparaiso has a few heavy hitters. You’ve got Jade House, which a lot of people prefer for the sit-down vibe. Then there's Jade Garden further north.
New Dragon occupies this middle ground. It’s faster than the sit-down spots but feels a bit more "authentic" (whatever that means to you) than the mall food court stuff. It’s the kind of place that has a loyal following not because it’s fancy, but because it’s reliable.
What You Need to Know Before Going
The price range usually falls between $11 and $30 depending on how much you’re trying to show off.
Parking can be a nightmare during the lunch rush. The lot isn't huge, and people in Valpo drive like they’re in a hurry to get nowhere. If the lot is full, don't try to park in the neighboring business lots—they will get grumpy. Just wait two minutes; someone is always leaving.
- Check your bag. Seriously. Before you leave the counter, just take a quick peek. It's not that they're trying to cheat you, it's just that mistakes happen when the phone is ringing off the hook.
- Cash or Card? They take both, but having cash can sometimes speed things up if the card machine is being finicky.
- Specify Spice. If you want it spicy, tell them. Their "default" spice level is pretty mild, likely catering to the general Midwestern palate.
New Dragon Valparaiso Indiana isn't trying to change the world. It’s trying to fill your stomach for a reasonable price. In a world of over-complicated "fusion" restaurants and $20 appetizers, there is something deeply comforting about a place that just gives you a box of rice and some solid chicken.
If you’re planning to order for a big group, give them at least 45 minutes of lead time. Don’t be that person who calls for ten combo plates and expects them to be ready in ten minutes. It doesn’t work like that.
The next time you’re driving down Calumet and that craving hits, give it a shot. Just keep your expectations realistic. It’s a local staple for a reason, even if that reason is just that they know how to make a mean Sesame Chicken that survives a ten-minute drive home without turning into a brick.
Before you head out, make sure you have the right number saved: (219) 476-9222. It’s way better than trying to navigate those unofficial third-party menu sites that haven't updated their prices since 2019. Grab your keys, check the back seat for your reusable bags, and get moving. Your lo mein isn't going to pick itself up.